“Stand Up Campaign”, Share your inspiring stories.

Always, the world’s leading feminine care brand, launched the “Stand Up” initiative in Kenya, on November 11. The initiative seeks to encourage the Kenyan girl child to stand up for her dreams and aspirations.

Kenya’s first marine pilot, Elizabeth Marami together with Kenya women’s basketball captain Silalei Owour, are the brand ambassadors for this campaign. They will work together with the Always brand to share their stories of how they stood up to make their dreams come true. Their stories are meant to encourage Kenyan girls to share their #AlwaysStandUpKe moments.

Ms. Marami, Kenya’s first female, and youngest marine pilot noted that she is excited to tackle the issue of confidence among girls, something she also experienced growing up. “I am so excited to work with Always to tackle the issue of confidence among girls. I would like to show my fellow Kenyan girls that they too can stand up and become what they have always dreamt of”, she said. “I am proud that my mother stood up for me and that is why I ended up pursuing my dreams and excelling, even though there are only a few women in my profession,” added Ms. Marami.

Always Brand Manager, Mr. Evanson Mwaniki said the initiative hopes to empower girls to pursue their aspirations regardless of obstacles they may face.

“Nine out of 10 of Kenyan girls feel pressured to hide their beliefs, be less feminine and take fewer risks. It is our belief that this initiative will help us refocus our efforts on ensuring girls stands up for what they want to be and set highly rewarding goals,” Mr. Mwaniki said.

“No girl should feel she can’t stand up and do something because of her gender”, Ms Silale, Kenya Basketball captain said. “Whether it’s playing basketball or being good at people skills, girls should have the confidence and self-belief to do anything and everything they want”, she said echoing the sentiments of the campaign. “I understand why girls wouldn’t feel comfortable doing a particular activity that society ascribes as typically ‘male’. And this is why I am very proud and believe it is time for me to #Always StandUpKe for them”, She added.

In 2014 Always started the global #LikeAGirl campaign, highlighting how the phrase to do something “Like A girl” had become a negative one. Earlier this year the next phase of the campaign began globally with creation of the Always Global Confidence Teaching Curriculum.

The new confidence teaching curriculum, incorporating the latest research on confidence-building, is being co-developed by Always and education-thought leaders and experts. It builds on Always’ 30 year heritage in puberty education and will reach up to 20 million girls in 65 counties per year. Additionally, TED, the non-profit devoted to spreading ideas, has committed to support Always in teaching confidence to young girls.

We all have those moments which we had to stand up to achieve our dreams. You can also share your story and be part of #AlwaysStandUpKe diary. Just share what you stood up for, and how you have taken steps to achieve it. Post these stories on the Always Girls Facebook page. You can also follow inspiring stories on this page.